Phase II Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Toxicity of Multimodality Treatment With Induction Taxotere/Cisplatin?5-FU (TPF) Chemotherapy Followed by Concomitant Cetuximab and Radiation Therapy in Patients With Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (SCCHN)

RATIONALE: Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as docetaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Monoclonal antibodies, such as cetuximab, can block tumor growth in different ways. Some block the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Others find tumor cells and help kill them or carry tumor-killing substances to them. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill tumor cells. Giving combination chemotherapy together with cetuximab and radiation therapy may kill more tumor cells. PURPOSE: This phase II trial is studying how well giving docetaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil together with cetuximab and radiation therapy works in treating patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer.